Tips for Keeping Your Dog Cool Now That Summer has Arrived

Today marked the Summer solstice in the northern part of the hemisphere, and that means the dog days of summer are close behind. With today being the “longest” day of summer, that means furpals had the chance to squeeze in more snoozes, romps in the yard, and dips in the pool than any other day this summer!

And just how did the term “dogs days of summer” originate? It goes back to ancient times when folks looked toward the heavens and visually connected the stars to form images, now known as the constellations. Different cultures saw the stars take shape of different “pictures,” including dogs. The dog star, or “Sirius,” derived from an Ancient Greek word meaning glowing. Sirius is one of the brightest stars that is said to have risen and set with the sun during the summer period of June through September. And, according to The Summer Place, while the constellations have moved over time, the dog days of summer typically fall between early July and August, the hottest, most sultry days of summer.

While summer lovin’ is a warm, fun, and relaxing time of the year north of the equator, here are some tips to keep your canine companion cool and safe when the mercury soars:

1) Exercise your dog early in the morning before the sun is up, or later in the evening after the sun has set, when the air is cooler.

2) Keep your furpal off the hot pavement and blacktop while walking. Stick to the dirt or grassy side of the roads/streets.
3) Be aware of where your dog is sitting when you stop during walks to cat with neighbors. Be sure your canine companion is not sitting in the direct sun.
4) Have fresh water in a portable container while out on walks and always available where your pet spends his time. For a cool treat, add crushed ice to the water.
5) When outdoors, be sure your pet has a shaded area, as well as a shelter to get out of the sun and rain.

6) Fill a child's plastic pool with water for some wet and wild fun.
7) Sprinklers are a fun alternative on hot days.
8) Bring your pet into the house out of the sun during the hottest times of the day and let them relax in air conditioning 
   or near fans.
9) Walk the perimeter of your property and conduct a poisonous plant check at canine eye level.
10) Keep a watchful eye out for bees, beehives (some are hidden in the dirt and grass), snakes, and rodents. Keep Benadryl on hand in case of bee sting emergencies (check with your vet for dosage amounts).
11) Keep up on their flea, tick, and heartworm preventatives.
12) Update First Aid Kits.
13) The use of cooler beds can keep long-haired and winter breed dogs cool.
14) Slip on doggie goggles to protect their eyes when they are riding in a boat or hanging their head out a moving car window.
15) Most importantly, never ever leave your dog in a car during the hot weather. It only takes a very short period of time to causes heat exhaustion, collapse, and death. Please leave your furbaby home until the cooler weather arrives.
16) And if you see a dog left unattended in a car, please call the police or dog warden. Be the dog's advocate as he can not speak for himself to let us know when he is in danger.


But most of all, enjoy a happy and safe summer
together! 

  There are only four days left to submit your entry into our "Patriotic Pets" Photo Contest! Click on our header for details. Winning pets will be announced on July 4th, and we will also post a slideshow featuring all of the entries. The judges are ready, and we have some cool prizes, too!